Anthony EMEKA NWOSU
A new 2025 State Performance Index by Statisense has revealed a surprising shift in Nigeria’s healthcare landscape, with several Northern states outperforming economic powerhouses such as Lagos and many states in the South East in public hospital satisfaction ratings.
According to the report, Gombe emerged as the best-rated state for public hospital care in Nigeria, followed closely by Jigawa and Adamawa. Other Northern states including Niger, Yobe, Kebbi, and Bauchi also secured spots in the national top 12, highlighting growing public confidence in healthcare delivery across the region.
The rankings were based on the percentage of residents satisfied with the quality of public hospitals in their respective states.
Top 12 Best-Rated States for Public Hospital Care in Nigeria (2025)
- Gombe
- Jigawa
- Adamawa
- Niger
- Osun
- Yobe
- Benue
- Akwa Ibom
- Kebbi
- Bauchi
- Oyo
- Plateau
The results have sparked renewed debate over healthcare performance in Southern Nigeria, particularly in Lagos and the South East, regions often perceived as more economically advanced and urbanized.
Despite being Nigeria’s commercial capital, Lagos failed to make the top rankings, raising concerns over pressure on public hospitals caused by overpopulation, inadequate infrastructure expansion, long waiting times, and rising healthcare costs.
Similarly, many South Eastern states — historically known for strong educational and professional sectors — were absent from the list, suggesting declining public confidence in government-owned healthcare facilities across the region.
Healthcare analysts say the findings challenge long-held assumptions that economic strength automatically translates into better public services.
“The data suggests that several Northern states may be doing better in accessibility, affordability, and patient experience within public hospitals,” one analyst noted. “Meanwhile, states like Lagos face the burden of rapid urban growth without matching healthcare expansion.”
The report also highlights a broader trend of increased investment in primary healthcare and state-run medical facilities in parts of Northern Nigeria over recent years.
Observers say the rankings should serve as a wake-up call for underperforming states, especially in the South, where citizens increasingly complain about overcrowded hospitals, medical worker shortages, and declining service quality.
The State Performance Index by Statisense continues to track public perception and satisfaction across key sectors in Nigeria, offering insight into how residents evaluate government services beyond economic statistics.
